A New Potential Pest Strikes from the Depths of the Earth: Cicadas in African Mahogany in Brazil

Abstract

This study reports for the first time three cicada species, Dorisiana noriegai Sanborn & Heath, Taphura maccagnani Sanborn, and Fidicina toulgoeti Boulard & Martinelli, in commercial African mahogany plantations of Khaya grandifoliola C. DC. in Capinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Our research expands the known distribution of D. noriegai and T. maccagnani, representing their first occurrences in the state of Minas Gerais. We document host plants for both species, identifying new hosts for D. noriegai and confirming its polyphagous nature. Dorisiana noriegai was the most abundant species observed, with emergence and calling behaviors synchronized with the rainy season. This species was more prevalent in older stands, indicating that tree age significantly influences cicada abundance. Furthermore, we provide evidence of the vertical distribution of nymphs and exuviae. Our observations revealed no significant damage caused by cicadas, suggesting that their population density was insufficient to result in economic losses to the plantations. These findings underscore the importance of maintaining uneven-aged forest structures to mitigate potential pest outbreaks while supporting cicada populations.